How did China’s internal politics affect its response to Japanese aggression?

China's internal politics, marked by factionalism and ideological divisions, significantly hindered its response to Japanese aggression.

China in the early 20th century was a nation in turmoil, with its internal politics characterised by power struggles between various factions, including the Nationalist Party (Kuomintang or KMT) and the Communist Party of China (CPC). This internal discord significantly affected China's ability to present a united front against Japanese aggression.

The KMT, led by Chiang Kai-shek, was primarily focused on consolidating its power and eliminating its political rivals, particularly the CPC. This preoccupation often diverted resources and attention away from the growing threat of Japanese imperialism. For instance, during the 'Nanjing Decade' (1927-1937), Chiang prioritised the 'extermination campaigns' against the communists over building a robust defence against Japan. This lack of a unified national defence strategy made China vulnerable to Japanese invasions, such as the Manchurian Incident in 1931 and the full-scale invasion in 1937.

On the other hand, the CPC, under the leadership of Mao Zedong, was more willing to resist Japanese aggression. However, their efforts were often undermined by their lack of resources and the KMT's hostility. The CPC's strategy of 'people's war' did mobilise significant popular support, but it was not enough to halt the Japanese advance. The internal divisions between the KMT and the CPC also led to inconsistencies in China's resistance efforts, further weakening their effectiveness.

Moreover, regional warlords, who controlled significant territories and military forces, often acted independently of the central government. Their primary concern was maintaining their own power, and they were often willing to collaborate with the Japanese if it served their interests. This further fragmented China's resistance and allowed Japan to exploit these divisions.

In conclusion, China's internal politics, marked by factionalism, ideological divisions, and power struggles, significantly hindered its ability to respond effectively to Japanese aggression. The lack of a unified national strategy, coupled with the diversion of resources towards internal conflicts, made China vulnerable to Japanese imperialism.